CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- A recent election showed his growth more than any statistic. Broncos players voted quarterback Trevor Siemian a midseason offensive captain, a sign of his development as a first-year starter.
"He works hard at his job," center Matt Paradis told Denver7. "It shows how we view him."
A second-year player, Siemian continues to draw praise for his leadership and command of the huddle. He began impressing teammates in April with his knowledge of the offense, forcing his way into the quarterback competition before ultimately beating out Mark Sanchez. Siemian called it an "honor" to be recognized. He was added along with T.J. Ward and special teams ace Dekoda Watson.
Siemian, however, knows he must do more on the field. He made multiple poor decisions against the Chargers, admitting he "deserved his pick six" because of previous mistakes.
"I think it's a combination of things. Sometimes you assume things or you see things wrong. You think they're in coverage and they're pretty good, too," said Siemian, who is 6-1 in his first seven games as a starter, which compares favorably to Brock Osweiler's 5-2 mark last season. "I made a couple of mistakes I would like to do over. The bottom line is that I need to be more consistent."
Ward became a midseason captain for the second straight season. He is enjoying arguably his best season and remains outspoken in every way. Ward admitted he "doesn't like Oakland" after growing up in the Bay area as a 49ers fan. And yes the Raiders' offense is talented, but he's not ready to crown Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree.
"I feel they have two good receivers. They don't have two elite receivers," Ward said.
Talib, Marshall updates
The Broncos face a battle for AFC West supremacy with concerns about injuries. Cornerback Aqib Talib (back), Matt Paradis (hip) and Kayvon Webster (hamstring) did not practice. Brandon Marshall showed improvement with his left hamstring injury. Coach Gary Kubiak remains hopeful all four will play. Marshall expects to be ready to go.
"Brandon had a good day today," Kubiak said.
Running back Devontae Booker's shoulder appears OK, leaving him in line to start. He was sore but practiced on Wednesday.
Wade's wisecrack
Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips roamed the field at practice on Wednesday, healing from his sideline plowing by San Diego's Melvin Gordon. Phillips was treated and released on Sunday. He lost his balance, but not his sense of humor.
"Thanks for all the kind words. I was lucky I only fractured 1 rib (have 23 more good ones)," Phillips tweeted Wednesday with a video of spare ribs being sliced.
Footnotes
Oakland quarterback Derek Carr remains in the MVP conversation. He hasn't faced a secondary like the Broncos' No Fly Zone. "They are great cover guys. They're very smart and they know where their help is," Carr said. ... The Broncos Halloween Party proved a big hit in the locker room. Defensive end Derek Wolfe won for top costume as the Joker. "I think he scared some people into voting for him," cornerback Bradley Roby said. Kayvon Webster as Tupac drew high marks as well. ... Yes, because you asked. Von Miller rented the hairless cat to go with his costume as Dr. Evil. He found a place in Castle Rock that obliged his request. He took pics with the cat for 20 minutes before returning it. That is commitment to a costume party.
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Want Broncos news? Denver7 Broncos insider Troy E. Renck is your source. He talks to the players, covers the games and reports scoops on Denver7 and the Denver7 app. He is a CU grad who has covered pro sports in Colorado since 1996, including 14 years at The Denver Post. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and TheDenverChannel.com’s Broncos page. Troy welcomes most of your emails at Troy.Renck@kmgh.com.